Rwanda edge out Kenya in Africa sitting volleyball championship

Rwanda continued their dominant run at the 2025 Africa Sitting Volleyball Championship, overpowering Kenya 3-0 in the second match of the women’s category.

The East African giants displayed composure throughout the encounter, winning in straight sets: 25-13, 25-16, and 25-18.

Rwanda, defending champions and three-time African title holders, came into the match brimming with confidence following a convincing 3-0 (25-15, 25-15, 25-20) win in the opening match on Day 1.

Their experience once again proved too much for the Kenyan side, who showed glimpses of improvement but couldn’t match Rwanda’s intensity and precision.

Speaking after the game, Kenya women’s sitting volleyball coach John Kihato remained optimistic despite the defeat.

"We’ve had a difficult start to the tournament but we are happy with the improvement we have seen from yesterday.

"Rwanda is a much more experienced side, but we will come into the third game with the aim to win it,” he said.

On the other bench, Rwanda head coach Mosaad Elaiuty emphasised the team’s long-term vision.

“Our aim is to continue being a dominant force in the world. We are not just focused on this championship, our eyes are firmly set on the World Cup in the USA,” he noted.

Elaiuty also hinted at squad rotation in the upcoming third match, saying,

“We’ll make some changes to give other players a chance to feel the court. It’s important to build depth.”

With Nigeria withdrawing from the tournament, only Kenya and Rwanda remain in the women’s category. As a result, the two nations are contesting a best-of-five series to determine the African champion.

Both sides have already secured qualification to the 2025 World Cup for Sitting ParaVolley, scheduled for October 12–18 in Fort Wayne, USA.

Rwanda’s commanding lead in the series puts them one win away from clinching a record-extending fourth continental title.

The third match is set to take place tomorrow, with Kenya hoping to stage a comeback and extend the series.